Trinity Series - Small Group Notes #9

If you have not been following this series, please go to the post for January 22 where an explanation of the format is given. Happy studying!

All of God:
Exploring the Mystery of the Trinity
Tongues and the Holy Spirit’s Work in Acts, Week of April 5, 2009


Ø The following elements are almost always seen at conversion in the NT: 1) Repentance of sins, 2) Belief in Jesus, 3) Water baptism, 4) Spirit baptism. Is water baptism an essential element of salvation? Can one be saved if he/she has not been baptized by water?

It is true that some verses seem to make water baptism a requirement for salvation. Acts 2:38 is often used to promote this doctrine. But, other verses (such as Acts 16:31) omit the act of baptism as an essential element of salvation.

If baptism were a non-negotiable element of salvation, then surely Jesus, Who came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10 ), would have baptized converts. We are told, though, that Jesus did not spend His time baptizing His followers (John 4:1-2). In addition, the Apostle Paul, who gave his life for the gospel, went so far as to say that he was glad he had baptized very few believers in Corinth because of the rivalries that had developed in Corinth around church leaders (1 Corinthians 1:14-17, esp. v. 17 )

So, we conclude that baptism is not required for salvation. However:

Ø Though water baptism is not required for salvation, first century Christians could not conceive of a profession of faith that was not followed by water baptism. Discuss the importance of this crucial step in one’s relationship with Jesus.

Time and again in the book of Acts, we see baptism immediately following profession of faith (Acts 2:41; 8:26-40; 16:29-33 - the Philippian jailer from the first point). Baptism is an important step for the believer. It is a symbol of one’s faith and allegiance to Jesus, much like a wedding ring symbolizes total commitment to one person. In some cultures, when a family member makes a profession of faith in Jesus,, a great deal of energy is expended by the rest of the family in an attempt to dissuade the “wayward” member from his/her decision. When the person is baptized, though, the family will reject and cast out the one who has chosen to follow Jesus. Discuss the need for the church (at large – and GCC) to give more attention to this important ordinance of the church.

Ø There is a difference in a personal relationship with God and a private relationship with God. A private relationship indicates that God will reveal new and/or exclusive truth to me. I am not promised that kind of relationship. A personal relationship is not only a possibility, but it is a reality for all Christ-followers. I draw closer to the Lord as the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to point me to Jesus. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Look for the work of all three Persons of the Trinity in our salvation, spiritual growth, and service.

Ø Our personal relationship with God is made stronger by our commitment to the Word. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that believers who behold the glory of the Lord (we behold God’s glory in the Word) are being transformed into the same image (Who do we see in all of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation? JESUS) from one degree of glory to another as a result of the work of the Spirit. In other words, when the child of God spends time in the Word of God, he is changed into the image of the son of God by the Spirit of God. This concentration on Jesus is a serious, intense focus on Jesus in the Word. Spend some time, as a group, going beneath the surface on the following passages: Psalm 23; Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 1:9-14.

For Psalm 23:1, you could read the verse several times and emphasize a different word each time (The LORD is my Shepherd; The Lord IS my Shepherd; The Lord is MY Shepherd, etc.). Just read the passages slowly, picking up truth as you go.